Skip to navigation Skip to content

Share

What We Are Trying to Accomplish

MS is an expensive disease, with the average direct and indirect expenses (e.g. healthcare costs, lost wages), averaging $88,487 per year, per person, according to a study on the cost of living with MS. People living with MS and their families are increasingly concerned with their ability to afford medications and necessities such as food and housing. The Society recognizes that managing MS includes more than just the costs of a disease modifying and symptom management therapies. To support people with MS in all aspects of their lives, the Society’s policy work  includes addressing issues around employment, transportation, housing, access to adequate nutrition and addressing health disparities that impact diagnosis, care and treatment. We work at the state and federal level to reduce the direct financial impact of MS and ensure everyone living with MS can live their best lives.

Why It’s Important

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50—prime working years. Although most people with MS have a work history, and labor force participation comparable to that of the general population at the time of diagnosis, the ability of people with MS to remain in the work force declines steadily with disease progression, which can negatively impact an individual’s finances, access to healthcare and more. 

Take Action Now

Help reduce the direct financial impact of MS.

State Information

Interested in taking action nearby? Simply filter by state and see what you can do in your area.

Share


© 2024 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935.